An Understated Dominance - Chapter 52

Everyone was stunned when the guards rushed in. They exchanged confused glances, unsure of what was happening.

“Officer, what’s going on?” Florence asked, trying to steady herself. She had never seen anything like this before. Even though she hadn’t done anything wrong, she felt a wave of guilt wash over her.

“I need to know, who is Dahlia Nicholson?” the officer asked in a serious tone, his eyes sharp with suspicion.

“I am…” Dahlia said slowly, standing up and trying to appear brave. “What do you need from me, officer?”

“According to our investigation, you are working with the enemy. You are accused of being a spy for the west. Come with us for questioning!” the officer declared. “Collaborating with the enemy? A traitor?”

The room fell silent. Everyone was taken aback by the accusation. It didn’t make sense. Dahlia had grown up in Swinton, and her family had always been ordinary farmers. How could she be labeled a traitor?

“Officer, there must be a mistake! My daughter is a good citizen. She pays her taxes and even donates to charity. How could she be a traitor?” Florence pleaded, her voice shaking.

“That’s right! My sister is innocent! You’re talking nonsense!” James shouted, standing up in anger.

“We will determine if this is a mistake during the investigation,” the guard replied coldly. “Is there really a need for that? We can vouch for her!”

“Exactly! Dahlia is not a traitor!” others chimed in, rallying behind her. They knew her well and trusted her character.

It would be more believable if someone accused her of market manipulation, but being a traitor was unthinkable!

“I’m just following orders. Anyone who interferes will be considered an accomplice!” the officer warned, growing impatient.

“You wouldn’t dare!” James shot back, glaring at him. “Do you really think you can just take her away like this?”

“Do you know who we are? If you touch a single hair on my sister, you won’t see another day!”

“Huh! We have solid proof of Dahlia Nicholson’s connection with the enemy. Anyone who tries to stop her arrest must be guilty too. If that’s the case, take them all away! Anyone who puts up a fight will be shot!”

At the officer’s command, all the soldiers raised their guns, pointing them at the people in the room. The cold barrels felt threatening.

In that moment, everyone froze.

James opened his mouth to protest, but Dahlia quickly stopped him. “Everyone, stay calm. I’m sure there’s been a misunderstanding. They’ll let me go after the investigation,” she said, trying to reassure the group.

The officer scoffed at her words. They were the ones who would decide if there was a misunderstanding or not!

“Take them away!” the officer barked, and the soldiers led everyone to a car. Twenty minutes later, the car stopped at the gates of Spanner Villa.

“Officer, this doesn’t seem like a place for an investigation,” Florence said, her voice shaky.

“Quit talking nonsense! Get inside!” The officer was too impatient to explain and pushed everyone into the villa.

Once they entered the courtyard, they sensed something was wrong. Two white flags hung on either side of the door, and in the middle of the living room stood a coffin.

A portrait of Trevor loomed over them.

“Sir Spanner?” Everyone’s eyes grew wide with confusion. Dahlia felt a wave of unease wash over her. She realized she had walked into a trap.

“Is everyone here?” Just then, a burly man named Travis stepped forward, his presence intimidating. His sharp gaze and strong stance made it hard for some to breathe.

“Sir, everyone connected is here,” a soldier replied.

The officer replied, “Okay.” Travis nodded and looked around the crowd. He introduced himself, “My name is Travis Spanner, and I’m a general from the western war zone. Some of you might have heard of me.”

“Travis Spanner? General?”

The mood shifted instantly. Chris felt a surge of fear. While others might not know the truth, he understood just how dangerous the western war zone was. Only someone with vast battle experience and strong military authority could earn such a title. Even the Mighty Three respected this man. In their world, power was everything—money and status didn’t compare!

Wealthy people didn’t always hold power, but those with power were often wealthy. Travis was the perfect example of someone who had both. His power came from the military, allowing him to accuse anyone of any crime with just a word.

“Like treason,” he said ominously.

“I don’t want to waste time. I’ll ask one question. If you answer honestly, you’ll be fine. If not, I’ll charge you with treason!” Travis threatened plainly.

“General, we will fully cooperate!” Florence said, her legs shaking. She felt she had no choice; this man was too intimidating.

“Alright. Did my brother’s death have anything to do with you?” Travis asked. The crowd tensed immediately.

“No! We had nothing to do with it! We don’t know anything!”

“Yes! We’re innocent!” “General! You must be mistaken! We have nothing to do with Sir Spanner’s death!”

Everyone shook their heads in panic. They knew admitting guilt could cost them their lives.

“Is that so?” Travis said with a cold smirk. He waved his hand and ordered, “Edward, check these people.”

“I’m coming!” Edward said as he slowly limped out of the room. When he saw Dahlia, a look of desire crossed his face, but it quickly changed to anger. Now that he was crippled, he felt he could never have someone like her.

‘If I can’t have her, I’ll ruin her!’ he thought, his expression twisting into one of hatred.

“Uncle! It’s her, Dahlia! My dad’s death must be linked to her!” Edward shouted, pointing at her. Then he turned to Chris and continued, “And him! He has a grudge against me too! He could be involved as well!”